City Hall Clock Tower and Slate Roof Repairs

Recent project updates

July Progress Update 

Though there is still plenty of work left to be done, crews have made significant progress and have reached some important project milestones over recent weeks.

What has been accomplished?

Necessary repairs to the building’s slate roof and copper ridge have been completed. 

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Progress on the Clock Tower 

Work on the clock tower has also progressed through the summer. The newly refurbished weathervane and clock faces have been installed. Crews have also painted the tower’s siding and have reinstalled the sculptural urns on the ledge beneath the clock tower. 

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What work remains?

Work remaining and expected to complete by this fall includes:

• Installation of the clock glass and lighting
• Replacement of the rubber roof surrounding the clock tower
• HVAC system installation 
   

Clock Restoration and Roof Repairs Underway - Apr. 2

The tower’s weathervane as well as clockfaces and mechanism are currently undergoing offsite restoration. Below you can see clock mechanism before and after this process.  

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Meanwhile, crews continue to make important repairs to the building’s slate roof. This work is expected to continue through the spring and into the summer season.  

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Scaffolding Installation for Roof Repairs Begins - Feb. 15

Beginning on Saturday, February 15 (weather permitting), City contractors will be installing scaffolding at select locations around Somerville City Hall. This scaffolding will facilitate repairs to the slate roof that will take place throughout the spring.  

What to Expect 

• All entrances to City Hall will remain open as usual throughout this work
• For two brief periods parking restrictions and temporary sidewalk closures will be in place on the School Street side of the building to enable scaffolding setup. Posted signage will indicate parking restrictions and direct pedestrians around the work zone.
  • Feb. 24 through Feb. 27 – parking restrictions and a temporary sidewalk closure will be in place near the southwest corner of the building (closest to Highland Avenue).
  • Mar. 3 through Mar. 6 parking restrictions and a temporary sidewalk closure will be in place be near the northwest corner of the building (closest to the community path) 

All schedules are subject to change due to weather or other factors. 

February Progress Update

Since starting work in November, City contractors have made substantial progress in their work to repair the clock tower atop Somerville’s City Hall.  

Crews have successfully rebuilt the clock tower’s floor and have removed the four clock faces and weathervane. The clock faces and weathervane have since been transported offsite for restoration.  

Meanwhile, crews have begun work to repair the clock tower’s exterior. This work will continue over the coming weeks as weather allows.  

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What’s Next?  

Repairs to City Hall’s slate roof remain on track for this spring. Starting as early as late-Feb, crews will begin erecting the scaffolding necessary to facilitate this work.  

City Hall hours will not be affected and the main entrance to City Hall will remain open throughout this work. 

Project Schedule

Anticipated Work Schedule: 

Fall Through Spring 2024/2025

Clock tower repairs are expected to begin Nov. 2 and continue through the fall and winter seasons.  As work gets underway more information about the timeline and key project updates will be shared on this page. 

Work hours are weekdays and select Saturdays approximately 7 a.m. to 4p.m. 

Saturday work is required to safely facilitate crane operations while maintaining City Hall operations. 

Spring 2025

City contractors will restore City Hall's slate roof. 

What to Expect

Construction Impacts

• Scaffolding and an access staircase will be erected on the northern side (closest to Reavis Field) of the main entrance to City Hall.  
• Demolition and reconstruction of materials on both the interior and exterior of the clock tower will produce some elevated noise levels during work hours.
  • Work hours are weekdays approximately 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.  
    • Some crane activity will take place on select Saturdays while City Hall is closed. 

Material Abatement and Disposal  

As is the case with all older buildings, some elements used in the construction of the clock tower contain materials such as non-friable asbestos* and lead that if handled and disposed of properly do not pose a health risk.  

Beginning on Thursday, November 7 and continuing sporadically through the week of November 18th, licensed abatement contractors will be on-site to remove and dispose of these materials. All work will be conducted in accordance with state-approved work plans and under the supervision of an on-site indoor air quality monitor/industrial hygienist.

*Non-friable asbestos is a type of asbestos that is generally not considered a health risk because it does not easily release fibers. Non-friable asbestos is common in older buildings and is not considered a safety risk unless improperly disturbed.   

This abatement poses no risk to abutters such as nearby homes or businesses, passersby, persons using areas outside the building, or visiting City Hall.